West Africa

Between 400-600 BCE, Hanno the Navigator of Carthage, conducted an epic voyage down the west coast of Africa – sailing more than 4,000 miles – reaching all the way to modern-day Gabon. It is one of the earliest recorded voyages of discovery.

Africa is not done with Mungo Park. In Par 2 of our series on Mungo park, he returns to West Africa in 1805 with a large force – nearly 40 soldiers – determined to map the Niger to its outlet – as well as find the legendary city of Timbuktu.

There is no better source than Mungo Park himself for this podcast. His book, Travels in the Interior Districts of Africa is a classic. It holds up well today – and best of all – it’s free. In addition to Park’s book, many of the free versions include his journal from his second expedition – as well as notes explaining Park’s ultimate fate.